Sellers come from all over Fiji's main island of Viti Levu to sell their produce at the Saturday market. Chili was introduced by Indian migrants over a hundred years ago, and is now a staple of the indigenous cuisine.

Rain is synonymous with Suva. Navigating Suva Market in the wet is a skill no local can live without. Inside, professional traders man the stalls, leaving local women to sit outside in the rain. Many of these women have travelled overnight to sell...

These scorpion-like crabs, called mana, live in the mangroves around Viti Levu, Fiji's main island. You can buy a woven bag of them at the Suva market for US$12. They taste delicious boiled, shelled, and soaked in miti, the ubiquitous cold sauce...

A seasonal delicacy, nama is best likened to seaweed caviar. The texture of the tiny brine-filled pearls is similar to salmon roe, clustered along a seaweed stalk. Eaten with sugar and chili, they make a tasty snack at the Suva market. Here they...

Afraid of sharks? You shouldn't be. Attacks on humans are rare. But don't take my word for it, why not overcome your fear by meeting them face-to-face in Fiji! Off the coast of Fiji's Beqa Island there lies a protected Marine Reserve that's home...

nothing finer than dropping out of the sky, headed for a small air strip on Fiji. the tropical air smells amazing! I stayed at Cousteau's hotel where diving is a daily activity. Bures are the name for bungalows, and there are many styles in jingle...

As a gift to my husband for part of our honeymoon I managed to book us on Tavarua, one of the worlds most exclusive islands for surfing. Tavarua hosts the worlds best surfers and is a very tricky reservation to nail down. Kelly Slater, Mark Healy...

During our stay on Fiji we paid a trip to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, an orchid rich paradise founded by the late Raymond Burr (Perry Mason) in 1977. Originally created for Burr's private orchid collection, the garden also houses many plants...

Drinking kava is woven into Fijian society, with kava ceremonies holding great importance. You might encounter a simple ceremony in a shop or informal hotel gathering, but bigger ceremonies are part of social, political, and religious life. Kava...

The traditional Fijian feast starts with digging a pit. Then leaves and hot rocks are added. More layers of leaves, and then vegetables and meats are layered in, with more leaves and hot rocks. The entire thing is covered over with dirt or sand...

Visit Fiji, and you'll soon believe that every local is born with a beautiful voice and the ability to sing perfect harmony. Look for an opportunity to join a sing-along, most likely around a bowl of kava. Historically, Fijians used song to...

You can hire a boat to tour or fish here, or catch an organized tour to multiple nearby islands. There's even helicopter service for sightseeing flights or island-hopping. The port is also home to the upscale Port Denarau shopping and restaurant...

Flavours of Fiji Cooking School offers a tasty break from the beach, with classes that include "Fijian Feasts," "Indian Thali," and "Tropical Sweets," plus special kids' classes. The half-day courses are limited to 10 or 12 students, and showcase...

Down and dirty fun can be found at this series of mud pools and hot springs. Don't expect fancy, though, because this is a basic experience with a simple toilet and changing room. But it's definitely memorable. Kids (young and old) will no doubt...

You might be surprised to see so many Indians in Fiji. Many arrived as indentured servants between 1879 and 1916, brought by the British to work on sugar cane plantations. Today, people of Indian heritage make up about 40% of the population. This...

You can check out the local fresh fruits and vegetables at the Nadi produce market. Vendors spread their wares on the ground in neat displays—a pile of eggplants, some taro, limes, plantains, chilis. There are also kava-root vendors and...

Saturdays at noon, the Fiji Military Forces Band struts its stuff on Main Street near Queens road. It's equal parts marching band and Fijian fun, with members sporting white sarongs with jagged hems. The band participates in military tattoos...

This dive joint is where locals go for fiery Indian dishes like goat curry (and other curries), chicken vindaloo, chicken biryani, roti and more. The funky scene is more street food than restaurant, so just be prepared for less than pristine...

Sometimes, you just need to buy a good war club. Or local black pearls, if you happen to be a lover, not a fighter. Nadi Handicraft Centre is a one-stop destination for quality handicrafts without the hassle of haggling. They also sell clothing,...

Fiji's first national park, these dunes rise up from the ocean in undulating shapes that make for great photo ops. But more than that, they're home to 22 species of birds, as well as an ancient burial site dating to about 2,600 years ago. Pottery,...

WWII buffs will enjoy visiting these gun emplacements built by the 30th Battalion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, then later manned by the United States. The guns are intact and well-maintained by the Fiji National Trust. More information...

Ceviche-style fish (called kokoda in Fiji), root-vegetable chips, lobster, and inventive desserts are served up at this laid-back, locally owned spot known for its fantastic Fijian cuisine. Coconut milk figures in many preparations, and...

Hot Bread Kitchen is a local chain serving savory pies, sausage rolls, fresh sandwiches, Fijian bread, and all sorts of pastries. Great to grab and go, and kids seem especially fond of the chicken pies. Photo by Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier...

You may recognize tunes to some of the hymns sung in Fijian churches, but the words and harmonies are beautifully Fijian. Church choirs sing a capella, and even children join in. Church members often wear sarongs, and you should dress accordingly...

Kids will love feeding the turtles or having photo ops with parrots, boas, and iguanas at this forest haven for Fijian wildlife. Goldon Doves, Red Musk Parrots, Crested Iguanas and fruit bats are some of the exotic species you might spot. You'll...

Viseisei is an easy trip from Nadi, and gives you an opportunity to experience life in a Fijian village. Organize a trip and you'll be able to tour places like the school, community hall, and village green. A tour also takes you past grave stones...

If you like a small-group experience on the water, book a day trip on a catamaran. Coral Cats' catamarans are a great choice for a sail out to the Mamanuca Islands off the west coast Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island. You'll leave...

Rugby rules in Fiji. You'll see it played on the beach, at informal games among hotel staff, and at more formal venues like Churchill Park. Ask a local about his favorite team, and you have an instant conversation-starter. Find game news and...

If you want a bar frequented by tourists and expats, try Cardo's Upstairs, Hamburg Bar or the Bounty. If you want to get a bit more into local culture, join a mix of patrons at Ed's. Arrive early if you want an outside seat; head inside to play...

Sit outside at one of the many tables by the water at this Port Denarau spot for tasty Indian, which also has some Chinese, Malaysian, and Thai dishes as well. The Indian menu includes kebabs, tandooris, biryanis and curries, with items like Fiji...

If you are at the botanical gardens, be sure to check out the Fiji Museum. It's a colorful, tactile place that's overflowing with history going as far back as 3,700 years ago. This boat is something that lured me to the museum. Its unusual design...

While Fiji has far more than its fair share of stunning islands, Akuilau wins the title of "Most Convenient." Every morning at 9:30, a boat picks up from in front of the Westin and takes you a mere 7 minutes to this island. It is tribally owned,...

For me, there is no better place to learn about a place than visiting the local market. This one in Savusavu is a fine example of just what I mean. The blend of Fijian and Indian was quite interesting and actually can be experienced at many...

If you’re not feeling particularly Fijan, I suggest a stop at Cafe Amalfi. Owned and operated by a Neopolitan and a Venetian, the cafe is perfectly situated on a sweet harbor offering up views that need no better accompaniment than a bottle of...

Pure Fiji Spa products are sold all over the world. They are famous not just for their quality, but because they strive to be responsibly and locally sourced in Fiji. If you are lucky enough to be in Fiji, you can go to their day spa. Its a...

Captain Cook Cruises offers 3, 4 or 7 day trips through Fiji's Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands or and 7 and 11 day cruises to more remote destinations in the North of Fiji. The boat, the Reef Endevour is well equipped with a pool, spa and onboard...

"Welcome Family" is likely the first thing you will hear when you get off the boat and first step foot onto Malolo Island, and you certainly will feel welcome here. This is a luxury resort on a remote part of the Mamanuca Islands that has been...